Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist
If you happen to be the proud owner of a motorcycle, it’s probably safe to assume that it’s one of your most prized possessions. This is one of the many reasons why you should make sure you’re doing all that you can to keep your bike in excellent shape. The best way to do this is to perform proper motorcycle maintenance. If you’re the DIY type who prefers to do this on your own, you've come to the right place. Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys has provided some helpful maintenance tips below.
For those of you who prefer (or need) professional maintenance, contact our dealership in Key Largo, FL.
Tires
You might be surprised to learn that certain tire issues can be the quickest way to put an end to your otherwise enjoyable ride. Therefore, it’s critical to take proper care of your tires. Fortunately, most tire issues are preventative. The key is to perform regular tire checks. Start by checking the pressure. If any of the tires are not inflated enough, they’ll struggle to handle the forces being placed on them. If they’re too inflated, they’ll lose contact with the ground. Use a tire pressure gauge to confirm the pressure is within the recommended levels. The most accurate reading is obtained in the early morning hours when the tires are still cold.
Another critical tire aspect to pay attention to is tread, which is what provides your wheels with traction on the road. Your motorcycle tread will inevitably wear down over time as you ride. There will come a point when it’s no longer considered safe to ride as there is a risk of losing control of the bike. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for guidance regarding tire tread.
Chains, Shafts, Belts
Your bike gets its power from a series of chains, shafts, and belts. Each of these parts needs to be functioning properly to keep your bike running well. This includes proper lubrication. A belt that’s too tight could strain and compromise the material. A belt that’s too loose could come off during transit. If you notice anything out of the ordinary that you cannot fix on your own, you should consider bringing it in for professional service.
Brakes
You shouldn’t neglect your motorcycle’s brakes as they can make the difference between a safe, smooth ride and a tragic collision. Check your brakes on a consistent, ongoing basis. Bring your bike into your local mechanic if they start acting up.
You should never ignore any grinding, squeaking, or pulsating coming for your brakes. You’ll also want to make sure you keep an eye on brake fluid levels. Many motorcycles have separate stores for the front and rear wheels, so remember to check both of them and top off as needed.
Check the brake pads and replace them if they are excessively worn.
Fuel & Oil
Don’t forget that you need to routinely check your motorcycle’s fuel filter. If it becomes too clogged, it can compromise the power you need for the bike to run.
If you observe any sputtering sounds or your engine struggles to start, it might be time to replace the fuel filter. When it comes to the fuel you use, you’ll want to consider how often you ride. If you’re only going on occasional rides around town, you should use higher octane fuel. It’s important to note that ethanol-heavy fuels transform into a corrosive sludge if they sit idle for too long.
The act of checking your oil is just as crucial for your motorcycle as it is for your car. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, then reinsert it. Remove it again for an accurate reading. Top off as needed but also remember to pay attention to the consistency and color of the oil.
If it’s sludgy or a dark brown color, it might be time to replace both the oil and the oil filter. If you see metallic shavings or powder in the oil, it’s time for service. These are signs that parts of the engine are grinding together and you don’t want to ignore this.
Come to the experts at Riva for Professional Motorcycle Maintenance
For more motorcycle maintenance tips, stop by Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys! We’re proud to serve the Florida Keys with an impressive selection of powersports, golf carts, boats, and outboards for sale.
